Blasting Techniques

School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

September 2020

Availability: Accepting Applications
Credential: Ontario College Certificate ( 2 semesters )
Classes begin:
September 08, 2020
Offered at:
Frost Campus
Program code:
SBL
Tuition & Ancillary Fees:
Tuition is unavailable at this time
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The two-semester Blasting Techniques Ontario College Certificate is the only program of its kind in Canada. This is a highly practical, hands-on program, in a rapidly growing industry.

Program Highlights

Fascinated by the explosives industry? Do you like to work outdoors, and in challenging environments? If so, you may be interested in exploring a career as a blaster. With our well-developed connections with industry and our specialized resources and drilling compound, students get the hands-on training necessary for their career in blasting.

  • Blasters fill blast holes with explosives and detonate them to dislodge coal, ore, rock, or aggregate, or to demolish structures.
  • Blasters are employed by construction, mining, and drilling and blasting companies, as well as in the special effects industry.
  • You will focus on three types of explosive cuts, and incorporate a wide range of skills in science, mathematics, and communications.
  • Courses include explosives, blasthole drilling, blasting theory, blast design, geology, safety and accident prevention, and environmental issues.

You will spend much of your time in labs, field classes and field assignments, and refining your skills in our state-of-the-art drilling and blasting training centre.

NEW! Students who start the Blasting Techniques program in May and successfully complete the program, have the option to enter the second semester of the Resources Drilling Technician program in January and complete both programs in a total of 5 semesters (20 months).

Note: Students are required to submit a clean criminal records check to the program coordinator on the first day of classes. This is a requirement for eligibility in the classroom. Please contact the program coordinator if there is a concern about this records check.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

If you are an international student, check the information on admission requirements and how to apply at International Education at Fleming

Why Choose Fleming

Fleming's Blasting Techniques certificate has several advantages upon completion:

  • You will have common core training as a Surface Miner as required by the Ministry of Labour to enter most blasting sites.
  • Upon graduation, you will have the option of certifying with the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) in Quarrying, Basic Construction Blasting, and the Fundamentals of Blasting (Level One).
  • Another option upon graduation is to expand your career and job opportunities by continuing at Fleming College in the Resources Drilling Technician diploma program, with direct entry into the program's second semester (subject to availability).

Is this You?

  • An enjoyment of working outdoors/ hands-on work
  • Good motor skills
  • Physical health
  • Flexibility (particularly regarding hours of work)
  • Communication/interpersonal skills
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to plan and organize activities
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Computer skills

Career Opportunities

Job opportunities are very good across many sectors and several provinces, including Ontario. With many blasters nearing retirement, there is an urgent need to replace these skilled individuals. Job titles include construction blaster, openpit blaster, and surface mining blaster. Blasters work closely with drillers and often perform both drilling and blasting activities. The annual salary range for a blaster/driller is $35,000 - $62,000, depending upon experience and certification. Fully qualified surface blasters make up to $40.00 per hour. Blasting assistants earn $18 - $25 per hour at the entry level. There are good opportunities for career advancement in this field with training and experience. Specialized areas of blasting such as underground blasting have higher pay scales.

Program Format

Blasting Techniques is a two-semester program. Students who start in September complete first semester in December, start second semester in January and complete the program in late April. Students who start in May complete first semester in August, begin second semester in September and complete the program in December.

Blasting Techniques graduates who choose to continue their studies in the Resources Drilling Technician program start semester two of this program in either May or January.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT STUDENTS NEED TO PROVIDE/PURCHASE

  • Vest or jacket (detachable hood only) with CSA approved Class 3 reflective striping on orange background
  • Overalls or coveralls with CSA approved Class 3 reflective striping on orange background
  • CSA approved 8″ (minimum) work boots
  • Work gloves
  • Pocket knife
  • Pocket note book
  • Pencils
  • Tape measure (with both metric and imperial units)
  • Watch or other time keeping device
  • Calculator
Note for Fall Intake Students: As labs run outdoors during the winter months, insulated CSA approved Class 3 reflective striping on orange background work wear is also recommended.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY THE COLLEGE

These costs are included in student’s tuition/fees:

  • CSA approved Class E hard hat
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection

TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED

  • Blasters’ Handbook, 18th Edition, ISEE - $312.50 (1st semester)
  • Practical Blasting Fundamentals Level 1, ISEE - $276.25 (2nd semester)

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Approximate costs for extra courses that are optional but recommended:

  • WHIMIS: $30.39 (online)
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods: $117.24 (Frost)
  • First Aid: $117.92 + textbook (Frost)
  • Working at Heights: $186.48 (Skilled Trades Certification)
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick): $263.52 (Skilled Trades Course)

Mature Students

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Students applying to Blasting Techniques must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E)English

Where Workplace level courses are listed, C, U and M courses will be accepted.

For programs requiring a majority of credits at the Workplace level, OLC4O will be counted as an acceptable English course.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.

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